Alright...how do i do this? The first time i got married i was very young, no parties, really no gifts, and a small in house wedding. (i was a virgin, i got married cause i thought i was in love). NOW i'm divorcing the abusive ex, and marrying my sweetheart from a long time ago. Is it appropriate to have parties, gifts, etc?.

Hi!

I am in a similar situation and everything that I have read and all the advice that I have been given is to do it like it was your first time. It's your wedding and it is up to you on what you want and how you want it. If your previous marriage was anything like mine, it wasn't really a marriage from the beginning and mine lasted 12 years! I am very excited to be marrying my FH and being that I was married in the courthouse by the Justice of the Peace with no reception and no honeymoon, I can honestly say this will be my first wedding and I intend to make it the best ever! All of the traditional wedding "rules" of the previous generations don't seem to matter anymore and being that it is supposed to be "your" day, I suggest that you treat yourself like the princess you are and demand all that you want and more.

I believe that our society has altered what is perceived to be of proper etiquette...and rightfully so. A wedding is a celebration and I believe it should be treated as one. Whatever the couple wants and can afford is what they should be able to have with out social repercussions.

Do it up girl! Your guests are going to want to give you a gift - regardless if it's your second wedding - so register...otherwise you'll end up with a bunch of stuff you cannot return.

What I wouldn't do - and this goes for first time brides too - don't have several parties. I've seen girls do engagement parties, bachelorette parties, lingerie parties AND a shower. People will begin rolling their eyes. I say go for just one.